Andy Sheng

Before recently opening Otis & Lucy Photography, a pet portrait studio in El Segundo, Andy Sheng worked for the FX company Rhythm and Hues Studios, where he took his yellow Labrador Otis to work with him every day. “Although I’ve loved animals all my life, it was during that period that I really developed the incredibly strong bond with dogs,” shares Andy. “Otis and his best doggie friend Lucy are the inspirations for my new career, hence the company name.”

Living in the South Bay for the last 15 years, it made sense for Andy to build his business close to home, allowing him to serve local clients and those traveling over from the Westside. In fact, you might see Andy and his new lab Louis taking in some sun on the Manhattan Beach Strand. “The great weather and friendly neighbors make the morning walk an enjoyable one every day, and many dogs owners we’ve met while on our walks have become clients.”

While Andy admits that photographing animals for a living doesn’t come without its challenges, the spontaneity of a subject that doesn’t pose also makes it a thrilling one. “I find all animals beautiful,” he says. “I enjoy the challenge of being able to capture the personality of a particular subject in a single still image that’s also visually stunning. I try to capture them just being themselves.”